In the press today there have been a few articles posted about Aston Villa’s defensive pairing. Currently we have 4 centre-backs that are fighting for a starting 11 spot: Vlaar, Okore, Baker and Clark. In pre-season Baker has been the star performer, always got involved, and made the greatest impact in pre-season. Clark appeared to be the least impressive, frequently have miscommunications with his defensive partner and just not looking all the strong and confident.

But here’s the big one, Vlaar hasn’t stepped up his performance from last season! In pre-season, Vlaar has played a good amount of games in pre-season, but he just hasn’t been as solid as Lambert ‘expects’ him to be. Vlaar isn’t being as vocal as he should, he isn’t commanding the area as well either. In today’s game against Malaga, Vlaar has certainly performed slightly better but I think this season, a starting spot will not be guaranteed. Okore hasn’t had as much game time, but when he has featured, he has been solid. Okore is fast, strong and has the makings of a good defender.

I certainly think that Baker will be playing against Arsenal in a week’s time, the question is. Who will partner him? Vlaar played today and I appears as though Vlaar will get the nod for the Arsenal game. But as Okore catches up on match fitness, it may not be too long before we see a defensive partnership that (may) last for the next couple of years. Baker and Okore

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Vlaar not vocal? Not sure where you have that information from. Vlaar and Baker will start against Arsenal I expect and when Okore is up to full fitness I wouldn’t be suprised if he took Baker’s place as I doubt he would of joined to sit on the bench. Don’t get me wrong, I like Baker and one day I believe he will play for England but first he needs to improve his positional sense and realise he can’t win every ball. Onto Clark.. I don’t rate him as a CB he just doesn’t have the physicalities. Squad player at best.

I personally rate vlaar and believe that he will improve vastly on his performances last season, he is a goal scoring CB, something we have missed since laursen, and his goals will definitely help us move up the table. Once he has a solid partnership with Okore we will see many more clean sheets I have no doubt.

i hope your right Adam but im afraid im a little less optimistic not much good scoring the odd goal in the oppositions end and been all over the place in your own box and be at fault for conceding. But then maybe im been a little to harsh will reserve full judgement untill we are a few games in

I hope I’m right too! Thing is not every player that comes in can be at top form straight away For instance look at Bale, took him what 2 seasons or more to finally show how good he is. Time and a solid CB partner (hopefully Okore) and I’m sure we will start to see the best of Vlaar.

i hear ya bud be good if he finds form cus Baker is still very green yet and inclined to be a bit headless diving in all to often i think it would be better for him to learn his trade a little more before been a regular centre back so as i say hope vlaar steps up to the plate just shitting it for the first 2 matches especially the chelsea one

I’d guess it will be Baker and Vlaar who start at Arsenal, but both could be under threat and I’d definitely expect Okore to get in sometime.
The thing is we at least have a bit more depth in defence now and competition for those places can only be a good thing.

I’m still not convinced about Clark. I like him, but not really sure he’s improving. Let’s hope he’s just hit a bit of a wall. Certainly Lambert must see something in him.